• Threnody (1969) (2:03)
• Alien (1970) (2:07)
• Benediction (1972) (2:51)
• Poet (1969) (1:14)
• Pastourelle (1971) (2:45)

One of Zenobia Powell Perry’s most often performed works, this song cycle was composed for her daughter, soprano Janis-Rozena Peri and it is based on the poetry of Donald Jeffrey Hayes. Miss Perry filed a copyright for this song cycle under the title Atmosphere: A Cycle of Songs in February 1974, and, at one point was labeled Op. 12.  A recording of this song cycle from 2001, sung by Janis-Rozena Peri, with John Crotty on piano, is available on Cambria CD-1138, distributed by Naxos.

Thanks to Beverly Simmons who worked with Miss Perry to make some edits to the songs in 2002, after the recording was made. Also, many thanks to Melissa Givens, who helped with the editing and proof-reading for this edition. There is a version of “Benediction” for violin and piano.

Recently soprano Melissa Givens performed this song cycle with pianist Genevieve Feiwen Lee. Please visit the Pomona College Music Department Website and click on Concerts to view her recital.